Cost of Living in Toulouse (2026) — Monthly Budget

Wondering how far your salary goes in Toulouse? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.

What things cost

One-bed flat, Capitole, Carmes or Saint-ÉtienneEUR 700–950 / month

One-bed flat, Saint-Cyprien, Minimes or RangueilEUR 550–780 / month

Utilities and internet, one personEUR 105–165 / month

Groceries, one personEUR 240–330 / month

Tisséo Pastel metro, tram and bus pass≈EUR 45–50 / month full fare, much less under 26

Good to know

Population

≈510,000 in the city; ≈840,000 across the 37 communes of Toulouse Métropole — France's fourth largest commune and among its fastest growing

Languages

French. English is genuinely usable inside Airbus and the space sector, much less so in administration and everyday services

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time zone

CET (GMT+1); CEST (GMT+2) from late March to late October

Power plug

Type C and E, 230 V / 50 Hz

Climate

Warm, with genuinely hot summers regularly above 35°C, mild winters, and the autan wind blowing for days at a stretch

Driving side

Right

Rent control

None — Toulouse does not apply encadrement des loyers, unlike Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille and Paris

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.

A note on budgeting

Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Toulouse checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.